"Jiroemon Kimura was an exceptional person," said Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records to the Associated Press. "As the only man to have ever lived for 116 years - and the oldest man whose age has been fully authenticated - he has a truly special place in world history."

On Dec. 28, 2012, Kimura claimed the title of oldest man ever at the age of 115 years and 253 days.

The prior record holder was Christian Mortensen, a Danish immigrant to the United States who lived from 1882 to 1998.